Newry's Station Works Brewery bought by Alltech

Newry's Station Works Brewery the producers of Finn Lager and other craft beers have been bought by animal nutritional multinational Alltech in their first major expansion outside the United States for it's brewing division. As well as the Station Works premises they also acquired parent company Cumberland Breweries Ltd. in Great Corby, Cumbria in the deal.

Dundalk-born entrepreneur and founder of Alltech, Dr. Pearse Lyons purchased the breweries from the family of the late Lord Ballyedmond owners of Norbrook Laboratories.

The deal reinforces Alltech as one of the fastest growing craft brewers in the USA and their aim is to be one of the top 50 craft brewers in the world.

The purchases represent a significant investment by Lyons in the future of the rapidly expanding craft brewing sector in Europe. Alltech’s core animal nutrition business has achieved annual sales greater than $1.6 billion and recently spent approximately $400 million acquiring Ridley, Inc. with operations in the U.S. and Canada.

With a capacity to produce 40,000 hectolitres, the two new breweries add several new brands, including Finn Lager and Foxes Rock Ale, to the growing Alltech portfolio. 

Alltech are already producers of several award-winning beers and spirits including Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale® and Town Branch® Bourbon.

“These new purchases will allow us develop already established European brands while at the same time introducing our Kentucky Ale range to new markets,” said  Lyons, who achieved his doctorate in brewing and distilling before founding Alltech.

“We are dedicated to offering the consumer real choice in the beer sector. Since our first investment in the Alltech Craft Brews & Foods Fair in Dublin three years ago, the sector has mushroomed and our Fair is now the largest in Ireland, attracting more than 10,000 visitors annually,” said Lyons.

With three new breweries under construction in the United States, and a major investment in a new distillery in the heart of the liberties at the former St James Church, where his grandfather is buried, Lyons is set to continue the family history.